A World of Difference

Ever wondered how growing up between worlds can actually make you see your own culture more clearly? This conversation with Dr. Holly Berkley Fletcher flips the script on what it means to be a missionary kid—not just as someone with wild stories or an identity crisis, but as a kind of secret decoder for understanding white evangelicalism’s grip on American politics. There’s a moment here where a single high school banquet in Kenya, complete with a Confederate flag, opens up a whole hidden history most of us never learned in Sunday school. What if the very things you thought were just “normal” missionary experiences are actually the missing puzzle pieces for understanding the rise of Christian nationalism today? Stick around, because the connections Holly draws between global childhoods and the current culture wars in the U.S. will surprise you—and might even change how you see your own story. In this episode, you will be able to: Explore how white evangelicalism shapes political landscapes and influences key decisions that affect society. Discover the unique role missionary kids play in decoding the complexities of evangelical culture worldwide. Understand the challenges third culture kids face as they navigate identity, belonging, and faith across different worlds. Trace the historical roots of Christian nationalism to see how it impacts modern cultural and political conversations. My special guest is Dr. Holly Berkley Fletcher Holly Berkley Fletcher is an author and historian who really knows what it means to live between worlds. Raised in Kenya as the daughter of Southern Baptist missionaries, Holly attended Rift Valley Academy and grew up balancing both her American roots and the culture around her. Her background extends far beyond childhood, though—she earned a PhD in American Studies, taught at the university level, and later worked as a CIA analyst specializing in Africa. Holly’s life as a third culture kid gives her a distinctive lens on white evangelicalism and Christian nationalism, while her research dives into how missionary kids navigate the complicated push and pull of belonging and identity. She brings a clear-eyed, honest perspective that connects personal experience with bigger questions about faith, power, and the impact of evangelical culture around the globe. The key moments in this episode are:00:11:00 - The Emotional Challenges of MKs: Privilege, Grief, and Sacrifice 00:13:30 - Impact of Missions on White Evangelicalism’s Global Narrative 00:14:05 - The American Influence on Global Evangelicalism and Missions 00:17:00 - Navigating the Complexities of Missionary Identity and Cultural Systems 00:19:01 - Missionaries’ Political Complicity and Moral Accountability 00:23:18 - Practical Ways Missionaries Can Advocate for Justice Amid Political Pressures 00:26:43 - The Disconnect Between American Evangelical Consumers and Missionary Realities 00:27:56 - Origins and Evolution of Christian Nationalism in White Evangelicalism 00:29:06 - Growing Up as a Missionary Kid Abroad and Its Impact 00:33:14 - The Authoritarian Culture of Evangelicalism and Biblical Inerrancy 00:36:40 - Favorite Books and Writers on Missions and Analysis 00:39:19 - Resilience of Missionary Kids and Comparing History Writing to Intelligence Analysis 00:41:07 - Common Stereotypes and Misconceptions About Missionary Kids 00:42:00 - Navigating Trauma and the Danger of Simplistic Narratives 00:43:44 - Complicity and Accountability Within Missionary Communities Order the book The Missionary Kids: Unmasking the Myths of White Evangelicalism by Dr. Holly Berkley Fletcher Join the Patreon community for exclusive content at https://patreon.com/aworldofdifference. Read A Just Mission by Mekdes Haddis for a non-white American perspective on missions. Subscribe to The Bulwark newsletter for insightful commentary (paid subscription recommended for Jonathan V. Last’s Triad newsletter). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Does this sound familiar? You keep hearing that the only way to thrive as a highly sensitive or neurodivergent leader is to just “toughen up” and push through—so you try to fit into that mold, but end up feeling exhausted, misunderstood, and on the edge of burnout. It’s frustrating, right? You’re told your sensitivity holds you back, but all that’s doing is making you question your worth and lose touch with your real strengths. What if embracing your unique wiring is actually the secret to authentic, impactful leadership (and way less burnout)? In this episode, you will be able to: Discover strategies that turn high sensitivity into a leadership superpower for more authentic and effective influence. Unlock the unique advantages neurodivergent leaders bring that boost innovation and team success in unexpected ways. Learn how to recognize early signs and create habits that prevent burnout before it takes hold in neurodivergent professionals. Embrace neurodiversity to build a workplace culture that values different minds and drives inclusive collaboration. Harness the power of empathy to transform leadership style and deepen connections that inspire lasting team loyalty. My special guest is Rachel Radway Rachel Radway is a certified leadership coach, mentor, speaker, and author with 25+ years’ experience in corporate leadership roles in startups, national nonprofits, and global enterprises. Rachel helps high-achieving, highly perceptive and neurodivergent clients learn to lead with confidence, clarity and authenticity—and without burning out. Her book, Perceptive, has received endorsements and rave reviews from leaders from diverse backgrounds across industries. The key moments in this episode are:00:01:13 - Rachel Radway’s Background and Purpose of Her Book "Perceptive" 00:07:33 - The Meaning Behind the Book Title "Perceptive" and Reframing Sensitivity 00:11:34 - Recognizing High Sensitivity and Neurodivergence in Yourself and Others 00:14:41 - Understanding High Sensitivity and Neurodivergence 00:17:00 - Navigating Disclosure and Accommodations in the Workplace 00:20:31 - Leveraging Neurodivergent Strengths in Leadership and Teams 00:24:00 - Creativity, Pattern Recognition, and Inclusion in the Workforce 00:27:05 - The Impact of Global Culture on Sensitivity and Inclusion 00:29:07 - Understanding Empathy and Cultural Sensitivity in Leadership 00:31:35 - The Challenges of Burnout for Highly Sensitive and Neurodivergent Leaders 00:37:26 - Strategies to Prevent Burnout in Neurodivergent and Highly Sensitive Individuals 00:40:47 - Embracing Neurodiversity and Cognitive Diversity in the Workplace 00:42:13 - Leveraging Perceptiveness as a Leadership Superpower 00:43:06 - Unlocking Blue Ocean Strategies Through Perceptive Leadership 00:44:04 - Exclusive Insights: Leaders Unlocking Perceptive Superpowers 00:44:48 - Amplifying Impact: Sharing and Supporting Leadership Growth Listen to the episode featuring Minette Norman to learn more about inclusion at work and psychological safety. Take the online high sensitivity assessment at sensitivityresearch.com to determine if you are highly sensitive. Purchase and read Rachel Radway’s book, Perceptive, for insights on turning sensitivity into a leadership advantage. Access the exclusive Patreon interview for additional behind-the-scenes content with Rachel Radway.Subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who might need to hear it. Your support helps the community grow and keeps these important conversations going. If you need professional help, such as therapy: https://www.betterhelp.com/difference If you are looking for your next opportunity, sign up for Lori’s Masterclass on Master the Career Pivot: https://www.loriadamsbrown.com/careerpivot Difference Makers who are podcast listeners get 10% offf with the code: DIFFERENT Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ever wondered if your people strategy is actually holding your business back? Yvonne Jackson—who’s helped companies like Apple untangle their most stubborn people challenges—just dropped a truth bomb that might surprise you: equity isn’t a culture problem, it’s a process problem. And the fix? It’s way less complicated (and a lot quicker) than most leaders think. In this episode, you’ll hear how duct-tape solutions and “cute” values might be costing your business more than you realize—and what to do about it. But there’s one unconventional move Yvonne makes that flips the whole high-performing team playbook on its head… Want to know what it is? In this episode, you will be able to: Discover how crafting a future of work strategy can transform your leadership and keep your team ahead in a fast-changing world. Unlock the secrets to building high-performing teams that stay motivated and aligned with your business goals. Understand why treating equity as a process problem can shift your entire approach to creating a fair workplace. Learn how to operationalize equity in talent management to drive real, measurable change in your organization. Master succession planning techniques that fuel sustainable business growth and prepare your team for what’s next. My special guest is Yvonne Jackson Yvonne Jackson is an experienced business strategist specializing in organizational transformation, talent management, and operational equity. She has worked with major companies such as Apple and Oscar Health, where she led initiatives to align people strategies with core business objectives. Yvonne’s expertise includes business process reengineering and identifying process-driven solutions to equity challenges, making her a sought-after advisor for organizations aiming to build high-performing, equitable teams. Her academic background spans the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, as well as international study in Thailand and Milan, giving her a broad perspective on leadership and team dynamics. As the founder of her own leadership consultancy, Yvonne combines practical experience with a global outlook, focusing on sustainable succession planning and the integration of equity into everyday business operations. The key moments in this episode are:00:02:43 - Yvonne Jackson’s Background and Cross-Cultural Experiences 00:07:03 - Transitioning from DEI to Process-Driven Equity and Leadership 00:10:23 - Aligning Business Priorities with Equity for Sustainable Impact 00:12:53 - Operationalizing Equity through Process Improvement and Leadership Alignment 00:13:26 - Leveraging Tech and Process Reengineering in Talent Management 00:14:39 - Addressing Organizational Growth Challenges and Realignment Needs 00:17:19 - The Cost of Misalignment and Importance of Metrics in DEI 00:21:48 - Supporting Overwhelmed Leaders to Gain Strategic Clarity 00:25:32 - Revaluing Company Core Values as Decision-Making Tools 00:27:15 - Redesigning Organizational Values for Modern Equity and Decision-Making 00:31:09 - Embracing AI to Identify Workflow Inefficiencies and Drive Strategy 00:32:40 - Recommended Leadership Reading: The Courage to Be Disliked 00:34:07 - Prioritizing Sleep as a Key Productivity Ritual for Leaders 00:36:39 - Changing the World by Shifting Social Media Narratives 00:40:21 - Operationalizing Equity and Centering Humanity in the Future of Work Connect with Yvonne Jackson and her work by visiting her website or finding her on LinkedIn. Get 10% off your first month of therapy with BetterHelp by visiting www.betterhelp.com/difference. Join the Master the Career Pivot course at www.loriadamsbrown.com/careerpivot 10% off with the code: DIFFERENT Rate and review the podcast by tapping 5 stars and leaving a quick review to help more difference makers find the show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ever wondered what really happens when you bring together people from over a hundred countries—all tuning in for one simple reason: to embrace their differences and actually change the world? Five years ago, Lori was just longing for connection during lockdown, learning podcasting on the fly. Now, this community has quietly become a global experience, sparking conversations that ripple into boardrooms, classrooms, and living rooms everywhere. But there’s one lesson Lori never expected to learn along the way—and it’s something that could totally reframe how you see your own difference. Ready to find out what it is? In this episode, you will be able to: Discover how launching a podcast during challenging times can unlock new opportunities for authentic connection and leadership growth. Explore ways to use podcasting as a powerful tool to create inclusive spaces that amplify diverse voices and foster real community. Understand the transformative power of personal stories in shaping leadership styles that inspire trust and meaningful change. "Inclusion is not just some initiative. It's a mindset and a daily choice that shapes the future of work, leadership, and human connection." - Lori Adams-Brown The key moments in this episode are:00:00:00 - Celebrating Five Years of A World of Difference Podcast 00:04:42 - The Vision and Impact Behind the Podcast 00:07:43 - Lessons Learned on Inclusion, Leadership, and Teamwork 00:09:42 - Looking Ahead: The Future Season and Community Engagement "Let your difference shine as your differentiator. The world needs what only you can bring to the table." - Lori Adams-Brown Send this episode to five people in your text threads, Slack channel, or group chat who care about making the world better. Hit the follow button on the podcast so you don't miss the next conversation. Scroll down, tap five stars, and leave a quick review for the podcast. Get 10% off your first month of therapy at www.betterhelp.com/difference. Join the Master the Career Pivot course at LoriAdamsBrown.com/CareerPivot. Difference Makers who are podcast listeners get 10% offf with the code: DIFFERENT "Change is a team sport, and the best solutions emerge when everyone has a seat and a say." - Lori Adams-Brown Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Does this sound familiar? You’ve been told to just keep grinding it out in your current job until the “right” opportunity magically appears, but all that’s gotten you is more stress, second-guessing, and the nagging feeling you’re wasting your potential. It sucks watching your energy drain away while your values get sidelined and you wonder if you’ll ever feel truly fulfilled at work. You deserve a career that’s actually aligned with who you are and the impact you want to make. Let’s talk about how to break out of that cycle and make values-driven pivots with confidence. In this episode, you will be able to: Discover how navigating career transitions with purpose can unlock clarity and confidence for your next meaningful move. Learn to build a mission-driven organizational culture that inspires teams and drives lasting impact. Uncover effective strategies for overcoming burnout in leadership to sustain your passion and performance. Explore the powerful connection between personal fulfillment and professional success to elevate your career satisfaction. Embrace the role of culture and inclusion in innovative leadership to foster creativity and breakthrough solutions. My special guest is Dr. Esther Zeledón Dr. Esther Zeledón is a globally recognized life and leadership coach, bestselling author, and former U.S. diplomat. With a Ph.D. from UC Berkeley and decades of impact in international development, she’s worked with governments, NGOs, and global corporations alike. Featured on Univision, Ticker News, Medium, and top 1–5% podcasts, Dr. Z empowers leaders to unlock their limitless potential through a powerful blend of neuroscience, strategy, and soulful insight. The key moments in this episode are:00:00:00 - Introduction to Trauma-Informed Leadership and Global Impact 00:04:19 - Reflections on Venezuelan Elections and the Importance of Collective Action 00:09:32 - U.S. Political Unity and Leadership Transition Insights 00:13:30 - Challenges and Opportunities in Diverse Political Coalitions 00:03:46 - Introducing Dr. Esther Zeledón: Strategist, Scientist, and Global Leadership Coach 00:14:43 - Collective Action and Individual Clarity for Social Change 00:18:20 - Empowering Communities Through Shared Vision and Ownership 00:21:33 - Challenging Scarcity Mentality in Immigration Narratives 00:24:50 - The Impact of Scarcity vs. Abundance Mindsets on Society 00:26:57 - Early Social Conditioning Shapes Scarcity or Abundance Mindsets 00:27:55 - Overcoming Scarcity Mindset and Embracing Abundance 00:29:23 - Immigration Realities and the Importance of Inner Work 00:32:43 - Personal Immigration Story and Access to Healthcare 00:35:46 - Navigating Systems, Networks, and Immigrant Challenges 00:38:01 - Bilingualism, Discrimination, and Overcoming Educational Barriers 00:40:36 - Overcoming Bias and Authenticity in Leadership 00:42:08 - Challenging Leadership Stereotypes and the Need for DEI Awareness 00:44:11 - Writing "Creating Your Limitless Life" to Inspire and Empower 00:48:02 - Navigating Scarcity Mindset and Building Empathy for Change 00:50:56 - Resources for Personal Growth and Creating a Limitless Life Send this episode to five people who care about making the world better. Tap 5 stars, and leave a quick review for the podcast. Join the Master the Career Pivot course at LoriAdamsBrown.com/CareerPivot. (Use the code: Different to get 10% off.) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Does this sound familiar? You’ve been told to just slap some “core values” up on the wall and trust that your executive team will magically become models of integrity. But all that’s done is leave you frustrated, watching the same old drama play out—burnout, trust issues, and a culture that feels more performative than authentic. If you’re tired of seeing leaders talk the talk but never walk the walk, you’re definitely not alone. In this episode, you will be able to: Discover how integrity in executive leadership transforms decision-making and builds lasting trust within your organization. Uncover the profound impact leadership integrity has on driving business success and shaping company reputation. Learn actionable strategies to embed ethical leadership deeply into your company culture for sustainable growth. Explore why transparency and accountability are game-changers in creating credible and resilient leadership teams. Understand how addressing burnout and practicing empathy can revitalize leaders and foster healthier work environments. The key moments in this episode are:00:00:00 - Introduction and Invitation to Subscribe for Trauma-Informed Leadership Insights 00:01:39 - The Urgency of Integrity as an Executive Discipline in 2025 00:03:10 - The Neuroscience of Burnout and Its Impact on Leadership Integrity 00:05:10 - The Integrity Framework for Building Trustworthy Leadership Cultures 00:08:38 - Empowering Leaders to Model Integrity and Make Bold Career Moves "Integrity isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s also good strategy; it’s the foundation that builds trust, resilience, and lasting success in any organization." - Lori Adams-Brown Connect with us: https://www.aworldofdifferencepodcast.com Linkedin YouTube Substack FaceBook Instagram Threads Patreon (for exclusive episodes just for Difference Makers) Bluesky TikTok Subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who might need to hear it. Your support helps the community grow and keeps these important conversations going. If you need professional help, such as therapy: https://www.betterhelp.com/difference If you are looking for your next opportunity, sign up for Lori’s Masterclass on Master the Career Pivot: https://www.loriadamsbrown.com/careerpivot Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You won't believe how silence impacts leadership and team dynamics in the workplace. The unexpected truth about unlearning silence will leave you in awe. From cultural differences to the power dynamics, this conversation will challenge everything you thought you knew. Get ready to dive into a world of difference and discover the transformative power of reclaiming your voice. Are you ready to uncover the hidden impact of silence in your professional life? Stay tuned for a revelation that will change the way you lead and communicate. In this episode, you will be able to: Embracing Open Dialogue: Discover the power of unlearning workplace silence to foster a more inclusive and communicative team environment. Navigating Cultural Differences: Learn how cultural diversity influences communication in the workplace and gain insights into effective cross-cultural collaboration. Enhancing Team Communication: Uncover actionable strategies to boost team communication and productivity, leading to smoother workflows and stronger team cohesion. Leadership's Role in Open Dialogue: Explore the crucial role of leadership in fostering open dialogue and creating an environment where diverse voices are heard and valued. Leveraging Diversity for Problem-Solving: Understand the benefits of diversity and inclusion in problem-solving, and how embracing different perspectives can lead to more innovative solutions. My special guest is Elaine Lin Hering Elaine Lin Hering, author of "Unlearning Silence," brings a refreshing and insightful perspective to the topic of unlearning silence in the workplace. With a background in negotiation skills and cross-cultural experiences, Elaine delves into the nuances of communication, cultural differences, and the impact of silence on individuals and teams. Her personal journey as the youngest daughter of an immigrant family from Taiwan to the United States, and her professional expertise in teaching negotiation skills across industries, provide a rich foundation for her valuable insights. Through her engaging and thought-provoking approach, Elaine offers practical strategies for fostering open dialogue, enhancing team communication, and embracing the benefits of diversity and inclusion in problem-solving. The key moments in this episode are:00:01:05 - Importance of Speaking Up 00:03:22 - Origin Stories and Cultural Background 00:06:47 - Defining Silence 00:13:00 - Importance of Active Listening 00:14:41 - Understanding Voice 00:19:18 - Learning Silence 00:23:41 - Impact of Organizational Silence 00:24:24 - Encouraging Voice 00:28:12 - The Power of Different Perspectives 00:28:53 - Recognizing the Role of Silence 00:30:26 - Three Levers for Voice 00:34:19 - Cross-Cultural Communication 00:39:12 - Observing Silence in Teams 00:42:40 - Encouraging Action 00:43:12 - Your Voice Matters 00:43:27 - Call to Action Share this episode with five people who care about making the world better. Text it to them or share it in your group chat to spread the message of unlearning silence and making a difference. Leave a 5-star review and a quick comment to let us know how this episode made a difference for you. Your words help the show reach more difference makers and amplify the impact of the conversation. Grab a copy of Elaine Lin Hering's book, Unlearning Silence, and dive into the insights and strategies for reclaiming your voice and creating a more inclusive and empowering environment. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Unexpectedly, trauma-informed leadership skills are not just for disaster relief workers, they're crucial for leaders in any workplace. Dive into this podcast to uncover the surprising stories from a world-renowned trauma therapist who translated pain into understanding and despair into dignity. Hear how trauma manifests in the body and why creating a psychologically safe environment isn't just a nice-to-have, it's essential for high performance. Plus, get insights on navigating workplace cultural conflict and becoming a change agent inside organizations. This isn't your typical leadership advice – it's a deep dive into the unexpected intersection of trauma, neuroscience, and leadership. Stay tuned to discover how trauma-informed leadership isn't just a buzzword but the key to leading differently in today's challenging world. In this episode, you will be able to: Learn how trauma-informed leadership skills can transform your team's well-being and productivity. Master the art of navigating workplace cultural conflict for a more harmonious and inclusive environment. Discover the secrets to creating psychological safety at work for enhanced employee well-being and engagement. Understand the effects of global unrest on leadership and how to navigate them successfully. Explore effective strategies for overcoming employee burnout and fostering a resilient workforce. The key moments in this episode are:00:00:00 - Introduction and Invitation to Subscribe 00:02:37 - The Importance of Trauma-Informed Leadership 00:09:02 - Neuroscience and Psychological Safety 00:10:35 - Insights from Catherine Matisse 00:13:17 - Leading with Curiosity and Humanity 00:15:02 - Advocating for Change 00:15:36 - The Power of Therapy 00:16:39 - Career Satisfaction 00:17:54 - Overcoming Challenges 🔗 Download the free guide: 3 Strategies for Trauma-Informed Leadership 📖 Pre-order Catherine Mattice’s book 🎧 Listen to the episode featuring Catherine Mattice 💼 Learn about trauma-informed executive coaching with Lori Subscribe to A World of Difference podcast and check out the link in the show notes for the free guide Three Strategies for Trauma Informed Leadership at loriadamsbrown.substack.com. Share the episode with five people in your text threads, slack channel, or group chat who care about making the world better. Hit the follow button to not miss the next conversation and scroll down to tap 5 stars and leave a quick review to help the show reach more difference makers. Get 10% off your first month of online therapy at www.betterhelp.com/difference to get matched with a licensed therapist based on your unique needs. Join the Master the Career Pivot course at loriadamsbrown.com/career-pivot to make bold, values-aligned career moves without losing yourself in the process. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Uncover the unexpected! Dive into a conversation that redefines leadership and human connection, challenging the way we view stress and emotional intelligence. Join us as we unravel the surprising truth about building confidence and embracing the power of mind, body, and spirit. Get ready to be seen, energized, and inspired in ways you never imagined. Don't miss out on this eye-opening journey of self-discovery and growth. Stay tuned for the big reveal. In this episode, you will be able to: Develop effective leadership skills through emotional intelligence. Manage stress effectively in high-pressure jobs. Experience the benefits of coaching for personal growth. Integrate mind, body, and spirit for success. Build confidence from the inside out. My special guest is Stephanie Simpson Stephanie Simpson, a professional dancer turned executive coach based in New York City, brings a unique perspective to leadership development. With a background in performing arts, Stephanie emphasizes the integration of mind, body, and spirit for success. Her coaching focuses on emotional intelligence, stress management, and building confidence from the inside out. Through her lived experiences and expertise, Stephanie offers valuable insights into the practical application of emotional intelligence in leadership, making her a compelling guest for this episode. The key moments in this episode are:00:04:08 - Introduction to Emotional Intelligence 00:07:07 - Developing Emotional Intelligence 00:12:47 - The Universality of Emotions 00:13:26 - Gender Stereotypes and Emotional Expression 00:14:23 - Emotional Expression and Gender Generalizations 00:16:20 - Importance of Emotional Intelligence in the Workplace 00:17:31 - Building Confidence from the Inside Out 00:23:42 - Applying Arts Background to Group Development 00:26:38 - Building Confidence and Empowerment 00:27:53 - Shifting Our Relationship with Stress 00:33:20 - Recognizing Good Stress for Personal Growth 00:35:20 - Leading Your Own Life 00:39:08 - Overcoming Unwritten Rules 00:39:24 - Reconnecting with the Body and Intuition in Leadership 00:41:50 - Embracing Human-Centered Leadership in the Future of Work 00:45:28 - Life-Changing Books and Morning Routines 00:46:27 - Power of Music for a Powerful Mindset 00:48:25 - Connecting with Stephanie 00:52:47 - Getting Unstuck and Taking Action Subscribe, rate, and share the podcast A World of Difference with five people who need it too. Help build a community of people who believe in empathy, equity, kindness, and the power of listening to those who are different from us. Join the Difference Makers community on Patreon for unfiltered behind-the-scenes conversations and support in doing the hard, beautiful work of becoming who you're meant to be. Post a clip of this episode, tagging the show on social media. You never know who needs this story today. Rate and review the podcast to help more people find the space and spread the message of empathy, equity, kindness, and the power of listening to those who are different from us. Connect with us: https://www.aworldofdifferencepodcast.com Linkedin YouTube Substack FaceBook Instagram Threads Patreon (for exclusive episodes just for Difference Makers) Bluesky TikTok Subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share this episode with 5 friends who might need to hear it. Your support helps the community grow and keeps these important conversations going. If you need professional help, such as therapy: https://www.betterhelp.com/difference If you are looking for your next opportunity, sign up for Lori’s Masterclass on Master the Career Pivot: https://www.loriadamsbrown.com/careerpivot Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hey difference makers! Are you tired of feeling like your work environment is draining and uninspiring? Have you been told to just push harder and things will get better, only to find yourself feeling more checked out and unfulfilled? It's time to stop the cycle of outdated leadership and start fostering a culture of empathy and inclusivity in your organization. Let's talk about how to create a psychologically safe work environment where everyone feels valued and can thrive. Because the leaders who prioritize inclusivity are the ones who will truly thrive in the future. Are you ready to make a difference? In this episode, you will be able to: Cultivate a Safe and Supportive Workplace Culture: Learn how to foster an environment where every team member feels valued and respected. Lead with Empathy and Inclusion: Discover the power of leading with empathy and creating an inclusive environment that brings out the best in your team. Master Effective Meeting Management: Uncover strategies to streamline meetings and make them more productive for everyone involved. Combat Workplace Bullying: Understand the impact of workplace bullying on company culture and how to address and prevent it. Embrace Neurodiversity in Leadership: Explore the benefits of embracing neurodiversity in leadership and how it can drive innovation and success. My special guest is ⁠Minette Norman⁠ Minette Norman is an award-winning author, speaker, and leadership consultant who previously spent decades leading global technical teams in the Silicon Valley software industry and realized that we needed a new, more human model of leadership. As the author of The Boldly Inclusive Leader and the co-author of The Psychological Safety Playbook, Minette is committed to helping leaders unleash the full potential of the people in their organizations.Minette knows that when leaders create inclusive team cultures, performance soars, breakthroughs emerge, and innovation accelerates. Her most recent position before starting her consultancy was as Vice President of Engineering Practice at Autodesk. Responsible for influencing more than 3,500 engineers around the globe, she focused on state-of-the-art engineering practices while nurturing a collaborative and inclusive culture.Named in 2017 as one of the “Most Influential Women in Bay Area Business” by the San Francisco Business Times and as “Business Role Model of the Year” in the 2018 Women in IT/Silicon Valley Awards, Minette is a recognized leader with a unique perspective. The key moments in this episode are:00:02:22 - Creating Safe and Inclusive Leadership 00:09:26 - Link Between Psychological Safety and Inclusive Culture 00:11:46 - Navigating Language and Real Work of Inclusion 00:12:39 - Embracing Differences and Inclusivity 00:14:26 - The Importance of Meetings 00:16:31 - Harnessing Collective Genius 00:21:01 - Overcoming Bias in Promotions 00:23:27 - The Power of Listening 00:24:58 - Women in Leadership 00:25:32 - Leaving the Tech Industry 00:26:26 - Workplace Bullying 00:27:12 - Starting a Business 00:28:52 - Impact of Workplace Bullying 00:37:11 - The Impact of Fear-based Leadership in Organizations 00:37:43 - The Influence of Fear and Greed in Leadership 00:38:14 - Neuroscience Research and Social Exclusion 00:40:04 - The Need for Social Science in Leadership Share the show with five people who need it too. Join the difference makers ⁠Patreon⁠ community for exclusive bonus content, including an interview with Minette Norman where she gets vulnerable and real about a leadership failure that changed everything for her. Hit subscribe, drop a ⁠rating and review⁠. 5 stars if you think we did a great job and help more difference makers find the show. Check out the Mastering the Career Pivot masterclass at ⁠loriadamsbrown.com/careerpivot⁠ Get 10% off your first month of online therapy at ⁠betterhelp.com/difference⁠. Connect with us: ⁠https://www.aworldofdifferencepodcast.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices